Playing With Fire & Ice

27

I grumble to myself as I comb through my tangled hair. Deciding to put my hair in a sleek bun. I grab my phone, keys and wallet before heading to the kitchen seeing Dad in the kitchen cooking eggs.

"Morning Linda. I'm making eggs with bacon. Can't let you go to work hungry." Dad said and I sighed. Sitting at the table, he sits a plate infront of me. I smile at him patting his hand. I start eating but I hear scrapping against the plate. Looking over at Dad he had his fork upside down. Fixing it for him I smile sadly.

Finishing my meal, "What do you have planned for today?" I asked. I don't get a answer just a shrug as he finishes breakfast. Kissing his head, I leave the apartment seeing his driver.

"Go to the apartment and watch him." I said and they nodded going up to the apartment. Getting in my car, I was about to start driving to my building before I heard my phone ring. "Ms. Young speaking." I say bluntly. "Well good morning to you to Effie. Where are you heading?" Sean said through the phone. "I told you I had to go in today. I just got in the car." I say.

"Are you free at 12? I want to catch lunch together." Sean suggested. "Yeah. That would be great. I have to go now. Your making me late." I say to him. "Ugh fine. Talk to you later Tiger." Sean groaned before he hung up.

Chuckling I put my phone away before driving off to my business. Parking along the curb I sigh at the familiar building. Getting out my car and grabbing my things I go inside and see familiar shocked faces.

Reaching my office I stop at Stacy's deak. "Ms. Young your back." Stacy said from behind me. "Yes. But I'm not staying long." I say as she handed me a cup of coffee. "Alright. Well I'm glad your better when you had called I was really worried. But anyway what's first on the agenda for today?" Stacy said. "I want you to gather the reports for the months I was recovering and catch me up. After that inform the head of each division to meet me in conference room B." I say to her. "Yes ma'am just give me a moment." Stacy said and I went into my office.

Taking a seat my phone dings and I look at my phone seeing Sean had sent me a picture of him pouting as he had a sticky note taped to his forehead reading 'Need kisses'. Chuckling I set my phone down as Stacy comes in my office.

"Ok so over about the last 4-6 months. We have actually increased in sale for real estate by 10%. The lounge has been doing great, sale profits are up by 48%. The fashion and modelling agency we have is also doing great with selling out in stores. The publishing company that you bought right before you went into the hospital. We didn't change a things only some employees and business is booming. Some book that we published recently has been nominated for a Caledott medal for children's literature and Walter Scott prize for historical fiction. We had to fire the head of insurance." Stacy said. "Why?" I asked.

"He has sexually assaulting a few of the employees. He was caught by one of the security gaurds." Stacy explained. "Was he arrested?" I ask. "Yes ma'am." Stacy said. "Where are the people he assaulted?" I ask standing up.

"They are packing up their things in insurance." Stacy said. "Wait here please." I say as I quickly make my way to Insurance.

Seeing two females and a male packing their things. "Can I speak to you three in the conference room?" I say softly to them and they nod. 

Entering the quiet room, I turn to the group as they look down. "So are you here to keep us quiet?" Brent grumbled put as he looked at me.

"No actually. I came to tell you that I am sorry that I didn't know. And that whatever future job you try for I'll put in a request for you. I know there is a high chance you'll sue. I truly am sorry whether you believe me or not. I don't expect you to stay quiet either." I say to them. "You would really help us get new jobs." Lily said her lip wobbling slightly.

"Yes of course. Tell you what you know my number so if you want to take me up on the offer just call to let me know. If you want to I'll set therapy for each of you. But for now I have a graduation to get to." I say to them and they seem satisfied as I leave the room.

Going back to my office, I sigh. "That . will have to be pushed to tomorrow. I have to be somewhere." I said to her as I gather my things. "Yes ma'am. See you tomorrow." Stacy said. Heading out of the building, I get in my car seeing its 4:35.

Driving to the apartment I park the car along the curb before going up to the apartment. I go inside seeing the driver sitting with Dad in the kitchen playing a game of chess. "Hey guys. We need to leave by 5 o'clock. I'm going to go take a quick shower and get dressed. Then we're off." I say as I go to the bathroom.

Taking a quick shower I quickly get ready dressing in a pair of jeans and a button down shirt. I grab my things before I leave the back of the apartment seeing Dad and the driver.

"Where are we going again?" Dad said. "We're going to Jazzy's graduation." I smile lightly at Dad as I help Dad down to the car. Helping dad in the back seat of the SUV. We buckle up before the driver drives to Jazzy's college.

***

"Jazzy Young graduated with straight A's, a Phd, and master's degree in medicine." The dean of the school said as Jazzy walked across the stage her gown decorated with sashes to represent her achievements.

I felt a sense of pride come through me as I clapped loudly. When Jazzy had first entered college I was worried about her being racially disriminated against or hell even being able to get into a medical practice. But she overcame all of that. I'm like a proud mom. I smiled widely as she sat down in her seat. Once the ceremony finished, I got up with dad who looked a bit delirious.

"C'mon dad lets go see Jazzy. Jazzy your youngest daughter." I clarify as he looked at me confused. We walk towards Jazzy who looks around. "Jazzy we're over here!" I shout and she hears us as we go over to her.

I smile at her as I hug her tight. "I'm so proud of you Jazzy." I whisper. "Thank you I couldn't of did this without you and I'm sorry. I'm grateful to you but its just the way you put things it hurts. I mean he's our dad." Jazzy said. "It's alright. I know I'm a little harsh. C'mon lets go eat my treat." I smile. "Lets go to Red Robin's." She says.

God, I'm so proud of her.